Rick DeMartin

Sadly, Rick DeMartin passed away on Nov. 23, 2014 at his home in Toston, MT. Rick was diagnosed with pancreatitis in May and suffered the consequences of that disease while lovingly cared for by his family. A cure was not to be, and Hospice Care helped him and his family through his final days._x000D_
Rick was born in Rudyard, MT to Howdy and Lilly DeMartin on May 13, 1947. He attended school in Rudyard, graduating in 1967. Rick attended Helena Vo-Tech, where he studied air-frame and power plant construction. He joined the Army in 1968. He was stationed first at Fort Lewis, WA, then Fort Rucker, AL. Rick then served 13 months in PhuBai, Vietnam; he was honorably discharged._x000D_
Rick married Barbara Berberet on Dec. 31, 1977. Shortly thereafter, Rick and Barb bought a chunk of land in Toston, where they raised dryland wheat, managed her father’s ranch and raised fine cattle. _x000D_
Rick was a volunteer who responded to the needs of Broadwater County in his role as a Rural Firefighter. He served on the Toston Fire Department for 30 years; he was Captain for 20 years. He was honored to be selected as “Firefighter of the Year” in 2000, 2003 and 2009. Rick was quick to help his neighbors, friends and strangers when the need arose. _x000D_
Rick crammed a lot of life into his 67 years. He got his pilot license when he was 19; he enjoyed backpacking and skiing; he was a scuba diver, he loved fishing and tying flies. Rick broke horses and was able to ride them all, but they would be considered “green broke” by other’s standards. Rick was a truck driver who hauled hay and cattle many miles. He took pride in selling strong, healthy calves. He was a top-notch farmer, raising fine crops of which he and Barb were quite proud. He did all of these things in the company of his wife, partner and co-worker, Barb. He was a loyal, supportive husband and a fine father and grandfather who taught his family how to enjoy life._x000D_
And Rick did enjoy life! Anyone who spent any time with Rick socially appreciated his enthusiastic laugh, his dry sense of humor and his ability to save a joke for just the right moment. He loved to eat – he loved fresh seafood, sushi, good chili, hot peppers and sauces, rich brownies and buffets. But his appetite expanded beyond his love for good food. He also sought adventure and new projects. He rebuilt airplanes. He manufactured metal figurines welding together nuts and bolts. He built model airplanes out of aluminum cans. He was a mechanic, He mastered computers and enjoyed emailing jokes to friends. He liked music and he liked to dance, but was known to show up at a dance leaning on a cane in order to discourage ladies who were looking for a available dance partner. He liked to go to movies and always got the free refill on the big tub of popcorn. He loved Dairy Queen blizzards. Rick loved to ride his motorcycle, be it a quick trip to town for machinery parts or a scenic road trip. Because he craved Barb’s company on his trips, he reconditioned his two-wheeler, building a tricycle on which she was more comfortable. He liked riding, he liked the trike, he liked Barb’s company and he loved the good gas mileage._x000D_
He liked Montana PBS; he was a fan of the late David Williams’ music – and that of David’s son, Andy. He admired the ladies, especially those who were blessed with “ample bosoms”. He never forgot a punch line. He was a proud Montanan._x000D_
Rick is survived by his wife, Barb, and his children, Levi and Jessica (Heath) Gradwhol and Shannon Brinkman (Pat). Also surviving him are his granddaughters, Samantha DeMartin and Erin Brinkman, Grandsons, Austin and Dylan Gradwhol and Bryce Brinkman. Rick leaves behind a brother, Joe (Betty) and their two children, Brian and Barry, and special friends, Tracie and Justyne Prescott. Rick was preceded in death by a son, Luke, a brother, Jerry, a sister, Janice and his parents, Howard and Lillian._x000D_
Honorary Pallbearers include Rick’s many friends and family as well as Heath Gradwhol, Patrick Brinkman, Paul Budeau, Mike Castleberry, Brian DeMartin, Barry DeMartin, Joe DeMartin, Shawn Eppe, Arnie Kolberg, Drew Lorenz, John Rains, Gary Uptmor, Tom Williams, Gary Sturm, Franklin Slifka, Bill Lane, Rodger Vetter, Bryce Brinkman, Austin Gradwhol and Dylan Gradwhol. _x000D_
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The family will receive visitors on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Townsend, MT at 7 p.m. _x000D_
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Rite of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Townsend, MT on November 29, 2014 at 11 a.m. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.helenafunerals.com. _x000D_
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In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: _x000D_
Make A Wish Foundation, 175 N 27th Street, #1214, Billings, MT, 59601 _x000D_
Broadwater Rural Fire Department, 515 N. Broadway, Toston, MT 59644 _x000D_
Rocky Mountain Hospice, 1075 N Rodney Street, #102, Helena, MT 59601_x000D_
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